The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their latest pre-season preparations as one of the league's leading favourites, while the Milwaukee Bucks are trying to find their rhythm under new head coach Taylor Jenkins following a major rebuild and Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure for Miami.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have incredible squad depth and an elite defensive system that allowed them to concede an average of just 108 points per game in last season's regular season — the second-best figure in the league. Although the club parted ways with Luguentz Dort, Lindy Williams and Aaron Joe over the summer, the core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams remains intact. Nikola Topic, Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber are sidelined, but even the Thunder's second unit is performing strongly, as their recent exhibition game against the New Orleans Pelicans demonstrated: they scored 51 bench points, although the Thunder lost 110:116.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have entered a new era: after a disappointing 32-50 season and the departure of their Greek talisman, the team are rebuilding around a revamped roster. Their new leaders — Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner and Jaime Jaquez Jr. — need time to gel, as their opening pre-season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves clearly showed (97:116). In that game, the Bucks shot just 33% from the field and committed 18 turnovers, struggling badly in their half-court offence. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder's tenacious, aggressive defence, the visitors will find it extremely difficult to impose their game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
The Oklahoma City Thunder look strong on their home court and will secure a positive result thanks to their flexible rotation. The revamped Milwaukee Bucks still look unpolished and are struggling with their shooting, leaving them with little chance.
